Richard I of England

Richard I (September 8, 1157 – April 6, 1199) was King of England from 1189 to 1199. He was often referred to as Richard the Lionheart, C?ur de Lion.

Later Years & Death

During his absence, John had come close to seizing the throne; Richard forgave him, and even named him as his heir in place of Arthur, who was growing into an unpleasant youth. Instead of turning against John, Richard came into conflict with his former ally and friend, King Philip. When Philip attacked Richard's fortress, Chateau-Gaillard, he boasted that "if its walls were iron, yet would I take it", to which Richard replied, "If these walls were butter, yet would I hold them!"

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After his many famous battles, it was a minor skirmish with the rebellious castle of Châlus-Charbrol in Limousin, France, on 26 March, 1199 that would take Richard's life. Richard had laid siege to the castle in pursuit of a claim to treasure-trove. Pierre Basile was one of only two knights defending Châlus. Richard, who had removed some of his chainmail, was wounded in the shoulder by a crossbow bolt launched from a tower by Basile. Gangrene set in and Richard asked to see his killer. He ordered that Basile be set free and awarded a sum of money. However as soon as Richard died, with his 77-year-old mother Eleanor at his side, on 6 April, 1199, Mercadier had Basile flayed alive and then hanged.

Related Topics:
Châlus-Charbrol - Limousin - France - 26 March - 1199 - Chainmail - Gangrene - 6 April - Mercadier - Flayed

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Richard's existence had been a series of contradictions. Although he had neglected his wife, Berengaria, and had to be commanded by priests to be faithful to her, she was distraught at the news of his death. No heir was born of their marriage.

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Richard's bowels were buried at the foot of the tower from which the shot was loosed, his heart was buried at Rouen, while the rest of his remains were buried next to his father at Fontevraud Abbey near Chinon and Saumur, France.

Related Topics:
Rouen - Fontevraud Abbey - Chinon - Saumur

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